#seatbelt brrrr

[skoulsons]

you know what I find so. vomitingly insane.

these two moments. this moment (which I don’t think I ever analyzed or posted WHOOPS maybe some day). this whole snippet of Joel taking his coat off and Ellie’s hand lingering on his arm and the way she looks at him. How she stares at him in this fashion of unbelief and thankfulness and love. She put a knife in his hands and told her to kill anyone who made it down there. He did. She told him to wake up. He did. And he found her just when she needed him. She’s not expecting it because he’s supposed to be in that basement, but he’s here.

And she takes him in as fully as she can. Staring at him, the whole time. Never blinking, not once. Her hand stays on his arm til he shuffles his coat off, afraid he’ll somehow disappear if she cannot immediately feel him under her fingertips. She watches him, the ghost of a smile on her lips because he’s there. He’s alive and he’s found her. Her comforting presence is right in front of her, alive and breathing. Her adrenaline still pumping from what transpired in that restaurant. Her eyes have a glimmer of light and love in them watching him.

And he watches her just as intently, studying what exactly she looks like. Never blinking, scanning her face of the blood and and her sweater, a mix of confusion, anger, and concern. How much has he missed? What happened? Why does she have blood on her face? Why did she cling to me in such a way? Why is she crying so hard? There’s so many questions, but they don’t have the time to talk. Joel knows she can’t, and he doesn’t push. He simply gives her the clothes off his back to keep her warm.

And then this.

Her expression, mainly. Void of… anything. She’s exhausted. She’s traumatized. She’s processing, or trying to. She is fighting for her life. Her mind is running rampant of everything, trying to catch up with the last few weeks.

And I think what goes along with that is that she’s with Joel now. She can finally, finally, let herself feel. She can stop fighting for her life for a second.

She’s not just near him or walking next to him. She’s held against him. The man she’s found plenty of protection and care in from a distance up until this point is holding her against his side, helping her walk. He’s wrapped her up in his coat and is trying to pull it around her more. His head is against hers, no indication of letting her go. His warmth and heartbeat and breath are right beside her, letting her know he’s there. That she’s safe now.

And she lets it all happen. She really can’t protest or make an effort to try anything else because she’s exhausted. She’s so tired and she’s hurt and confused and broken.

And that all catches up to her now. But it catches up to her in the safety of his hold. Bundled up in the warmth of his coat and held in the unparalleled safety of his embrace. She is able to feel, now, because he’s there.

[luigisblueoveralls]

Honeymoon Bliss

Luigi x Fem!Reader

SFW and NSFW

Requested by @pixelybisexualwitch

Summary: After you and Luigi's wedding, you both take off to your honeymoon and spend the whole day together and have fun during the day as well as extra fun during the night.

Notes: Fluff and Smut. I will mark where the Smut starts in case anyone just wants to read the fluff. Of course, shy and fluffy and praising Luigi as always, but also very loving.

Requested by:

(H/C)=Hair Color

(S/T)=Skin Tone

(E/C)=Eye color

🌸=When SFW starts

🔥=When NSFW starts

💚

🌸

"You may now kiss the bride."

The whole crowd cheered as Luigi grabbed you, bowed you down, and gave you the biggest kiss he has ever given you. He held onto you tightly so he wouldn't drop you by accident. You wrapped your arms around his neck as he held you back up straight, absolutely on cloud nine. The two of you were so happy to finally tie the knot. Your family and friends were crying with tears of joy, especially Mario. He was so happy for his little brother to have someone to love. Throughout the wedding, the two of you played wedding games, ate some cake, and hung out with your friends and family, absolutely enjoying the day. But you both knew it was about to get even better. The honeymoon.

When Luigi asked where you wanted to go, you picked Colorado. Despite the heavy snow there, the mountains and views were beautiful. Luigi wanted to go wherever you wanted to go, and he was happy to go to Colorado for y'alls honeymoon. Since y'all wanted to have the whole first day in Colorado, you both waited till the day after the wedding to start the honeymoon.

"You ready, (Y/N)?" Luigi asked you both buckled the seatbelts in your seat.

The airplane was fixing to take off, and while you were excited, you were also nervous. Airplanes have always given you anxiety.

"Y-Yeah. I am Luigi." You told him in response.

As the airplane started to move, Luigi held your hand tightly. You held back as the plane went faster and faster and started lifting up. You held your breath as you could feel your stomach do flips, and your legs start to shake. All you could hear was the sound of the airplane engine souring loudly, as if it were mocking you. Make it stop, please.

"Hey." You heard the calm, soft voice of your now husband speak to you.

You shakingly turned to him. Luigi's blue eyes stared into your (E/C) colored eyes.

"I'm right here. We are on our way to Colorado right now. What are we going to do first when we get there?" Luigi asked you, trying to distract you away from the airplane take off.

"U-Um, we are going to go to our cabin on the mountain that we rented." You answered him.

Luigi held both of your hands and made you turn to your side fully to be facing him.

"A log cabin, actually. I may or may not have secretly made a few upgrades." Luigi winked at you, making you giggle.

"That sounds delightful." You said, blushing intensely, thinking about the day and night is gonna go.

"And then what?" Luigi asked, his blue eyes twinkling at you.

Ever since y'all got together five years ago, Luigi's eyes twinkled at you with so much love and care he had for you. You could stare into his eyes forever.

"Then we are going to go eat at a local pub, have some drinks and good food. And then maybe have some more fun later that night at the cabin." Luigi suggested, giving you a sly smile.

"Oh, really now?" You whispered, making you both giggle like school girls.

You felt more relaxed and relieved as the airplane was stable. You got back into reality as you realized you were with the love of your life, and you were gonna have the funnest week of your life in Colorado. After about five hours on the plane, the two of you finally arrived in Denver, Colorado. It was cold but you both were prepared.

"Brrrr, it's starting to snow!" Luigi exclaimed as the two of you quickly climbed into the taxi, shoving your luggage in it.

"You two new here?" The taxi driver asked both of you.

"Honeymoon! Newly married." You told the driver.

"Congratulations to you both then. I hope you both enjoy Colorado." The driver said to you both.

Luigi thanked the driver as you peered out the window. There was fresh snow starting to fall from the sky and onto the ground with the mountains already caked in snow. It was such a beautiful sight to you, and it was everything you have ever dreamed of. The two of you then arrived at the log cabin you were staying at. It was up on a hill, not a steep hill, thankfully, but the snow that was falling on the roof and on the grass and it made the view so much more beautiful. In the distance, on the back porch was a beautiful, open view of the mountains. And to top it all off, there were no close neighbors. The taxi stopped, and you and Luigi scrambled out of the taxi to get your luggage out. You paid the taxi driver as well as gave him a good tip, and he drove off. Although you wanted to admire the cabin some more from the outside, it was absolutely freezing, so the two of you power walked into the cabin.

"I'll go turn on the heater." Luigi announced as he searched for the cabins thermostat, which was in the kitchen.

The hot heat immediately filled the cabin, warming the two of you up.

"Ahh, that feels so good." You sighed, sitting on the couch.

"Oh yeah." Luigi said as he sat down next to you.

Of course, Luigi immediately held your hand and leaned his head onto your shoulder. You both were on cloud nine and felt so high for each other. Luigi was your husband, and you were his wife. It finally happened. You could feel your body start to get very warm and tingly on the inside. It felt so good to you. Oh yeah, you were ready. But was Luigi?

"Hey, uh, Lui?"

"Hm?"

"Can we uh, delay the pub dinner for tomorrow?" You asked Lui.

"Well, why's that?" Luigi asked.

"I think my entire body is sick, and *you're* the only cure for it." You told him in a sly tone, hoping he'd get it.

Judging by his pink face, Luigi got it.

"O-Oh, I see. Is someone feeling frisky?"

"Maybe." You answered, turning away from him in embarrassment.

This sort of thing wasn't new for the two of you. You both have had sex with each other plenty of times, the first time with Luigi being super shy as hell, but this time, it was different for sure. It would be y'all's first time as husband and wife. Luigi then grabbed your chin and made you look at him with a smile.

"Uh maybe I am too." Luigi awkwardly said.

It was his way of trying to be seductive. It was cute, and it worked on you. You glanced down at his crotch, answering your suspicions.

"Yeah, I can tell." You commented, still staring.

Out of a mix of both embarrassment and being flustered, Luigi covered his crotch up with his hands.

"Take me to the bedroom." You commanded him.

"Yes, ma'am." Luigi said as he got up, picked you up, held you gently and carried you to the bedroom.

🔥

Both of you entered the bedroom, and it was so big with a Queen sized bed, a big TV as well as a dimly lit lamp turned on. It set the mood for sure. Luigi then ever so carefully sat you down on the bed. He has always treated you so delicately like a feather.

"You're so pretty." Luigi said to you.

You blushed at his comment profusely. Even though you have heard these compliments so many times over the years, Luigi never fails to make you blush.

"You're such a cutie, Lui." You told him, pinching his cheek.

He giggled at you as he laid down on his back, looking up at the ceiling. You got a sly idea. You started taking your shirt off without moving positions, and Luigi remained still. You could feel Luigi looking at you as your shirt came fully off. You were wearing a bright green lacy revealing bra on, which was part of the surprise outfit you had planned for Lui. He was eyeing you but not fully staring. You decided that the best course of action was to get him out of the room for a second.

"Why don't you go get that bottle of white wine we brought with us?"

"Oh, uh yeah, yeah, sure thing." Luigi said, his face just caked in pink.

You know he saw the bra, and it was unlike anything you have ever worn for him. It took him by surprise and made him instantly aroused for you. As Luigi left, you quickly tore all of your clothes off, wanting to reveal the whole outfit to him. It barely covered your parts and skin and also came with stockings as well. It was y'alls honeymoon, anything can happen. As you could hear Luigi coming back to the room, you sat on the edge of the bed with your legs crossed and your hands propping your body up. Your entire body was in view for him. Luigi entered the room and nearly dropped the wine bottle and glasses he had in his hand when he saw you. 

"(Y-Y/N). You look so..stunning." Luigi stuttered out. 

His whole face was caked in red. Even his nose was bright red. The way your (S/T) skin blend in with the bright green lingerie you had made him so much more aroused than he already was. He could not keep his eyes off of you. 

"Thank you." You gestured Luigi to sit next to you, and he did. 

He poured both of you a glass of wine, setting the bottle aside. 

"To husband and wife." You start a toast. 

"To husband and wife." Luigi finished as you both clicked your glasses together and finished the glass of wine. 

The wine went down your throat smoothly. You didn't need the wine but you figured Luigi may need a little confidence juice. You both sat the glasses aside as Luigi turned to face you, holding your hips. He quietly gazed up and down at you, admiring your body.

"Forgive me, I know it's rude to stare but I can't help it." Luigi apologized to you.

"Sweetheart, there's no need to apologize. I'd be offended if you didn't stare." You drag your finger down his cheek and twirled the end of his mustache that you loved so much.

You gazed down and noticed Luigi's excitement poking through his shorts.

"Someone's excited." You comment, grazing your hand near his crotch making Luigi whine.

"Ah, how could I help but not be excited with you?" Luigi said, watching what you were going to do.

You backed away from Luigi and laid down on the bed, not breaking eye contact from him.

"I want you, Lui. Come show me a good time, husband." You told him.

"Y-Yes, ma'am." Luigi said, flustered than ever.

Luigi then took his shirt off. You admired his body. Luigi wasn't fat but also wasn't skin and bones either. He had some chest hair, but not too much and even some muscle in his arms from all of the plumbing work he has done over the years. He then took his shorts and boxers off, his hard dick popping out. He was a good five inches and very thick. From the other times y'all have done it, he was able to hit all the right nerves and spots inside of you due to that factor.

"God, you're so handsome." You comment, making Luigi smile.

"I think you're slightly better looking than me." Luigi said as he got on top, hovering over you.

He then leaned down and gave you a passionate kiss. You instantly kiss back, feeling his soft lips against yours. Luigi then began to massage your breast, making you moan into his mouth. You just want him inside of you so badly. You crave him now more than ever. You felt Luigi then grab your lacy underwear and pull it down your waist, then your legs and then off of your body. You could feel yourself become more and more wet from just Luigi touching you. His touch was like a drug to you, so addicting and you would get withdrawals if he didn't touch you. 

"Oh, Lui. I want you." You begged to him. 

If this was his first time, Luigi would've came right then and there from your words. But over the years, he has gotten better at being tolerant and lasting longer. 

"I want you too, (Y/N)." Luigi said as he positioned himself to enter you. 

"Are you ready, my love?" He asked for your consent. 

Even though you were more than ready, you always appreciated him asking for your consent. You nodded in response as Luigi pushed his dick inside of you, making you moan deeply. 

"Fuck." 

"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?" Luigi frantically asked you. 

The thought of hurting you made him so upset. That was the last thing he ever wanted to do to you. 

"You're fine, Luigi. Just felt so good." You reassured him, rubbing his back. 

"Okay good. I just want this to be fun for you." Luigi told you. 

"I know and you're already doing that." 

Luigi smiled at your comment. He felt reassured. Luigi then started thrusting in and out of you, softly and slowly. You wanted something more. 

"P-Pin me down, Lui." 

Luigi stopped and looked at you in shock. 

"Too much?" You asked. 

"N-No, (Y/N). I just didn't expect that out of you." Luigi admitted. 

"Well, it's our honeymoon. Anything can happen." You mentioned. 

"You're right." 

Luigi then grabbed your wrists, held them tightly but not harshly and pinned your hands above your head. The feeling of his nails into your wrists turned you on so much. 

"L-Like this?" He asked. 

You nod in response, feeling so much bliss and euphoria radiate throughout your body. Luigi then started thrusting in and out of you. Right away, Luigi was hitting all of the right nerves, making you tingle. You locked eye contact with Luigi, his bright blue eyes that were filled with so much love for you staring back into yours intensely. 

"You feel so good, Lui." You moaned, which made Luigi start thrusting faster and harder. 

He laid his forehead on yours, still maintaining eye contact. 

"Sh-Shit." Luigi groaned, "you feel so warm, (Y/N). Ah, ah!" 

Hearing the noises he was making made you moan louder. You could feel his nails dig into your skin out of pleasure but you didn't care at all. No, you just care about how good Luigi was making you feel right now. The entire room was filled with the two of y'alls noises you both were making. 

"O-Oh, (Y/N). You feel so good." 

"L-Luigi. Oh, ohh. Right there, please." 

Luigi started hitting in the direction that hit your good spot inside of you. You couldn't feel your legs any more, they were all tingly and numb from Luigi's thrusts. That orgasm was coming close for you and it felt so so good. 

"Please, Lui. Lui let me cum please." You beg him. 

"Ngh, ah, ahh. Hmhmm, hm." Luigi whimpered out. 

That tells you that he was coming close. When Luigi would come close, he could not get any words out other than your name. 

"I'm right there, Lui. I'm right there. O-Oh!" You cried out, feeling the edge of your orgasm creep out. 

Luigi was getting sloppy because he was right there, too, but he kept going for you. It was all worth it to him to hear your moans of pleasure because of him. 

"Oh, oh ohh Luigi! Oh Lui!" 

"Ohh, oh (Y-Y/N)!" 

The two of you screamed in unison as the both of you orgasmed hard at the same time, causing Luigi to collapse on top of you. You both laid in silence as both of you were catching your breaths and coming down from the high of your orgasms. 

🌸

"That was…amazing." You gasp out. 

"Yes. It was." Luigi agreed. 

He let go of your wrists and just wrapped his arms around you, to hold you, as he laid his head gently on your chest. 

"I love you, Luigi." You said as you run your fingers through his soft brown hair. 

"I love you too, (Y/N)." Luigi said back, totally smitten with you. 

"Want to freshen up in the shower?" You offered. 

Luigi jolted his head up in excitement. 

"Um yeah! Definitely." 

The two of you climbed off of each other and went to the master bathroom that was connected to the bedroom. The shower was huge, with a shower head on each side of the wall with a tile floor and wall as well as glass doors. As you started the water and waited for it to warm up, you could feel Luigi run his fingers slowly down your back and to the clip of your lacy bra. He unclipped your bra and slid your bra off of your body. 

"You're so beautiful." Luigi told you as he kissed your shoulder, his soft fingers running down your skin. 

It made you shiver but in a good way. He then wrapped his arms around you and started placing soft kisses on your neck. 

"Lui, you're just the cutest man ever." 

Luigi giggled, burying his face into your neck. 

"God. What would I do without you?" He laughed. 

Luigi could not imagine a life without you. He loved you that much. He wanted to have kids with you, grow old with you and he pray that at the point you both are super old that y'alls kids were grown and you both would die together in peace for he could never imagine a day without you. 

"What would I do without you?" You remarked back, making the both of you laugh. 

Once the water was hot enough, the two of you stepped into the shower. For the rest of the night, you two stayed in the shower together till the water got cold. Luigi took his time with washing you. He wanted to get every inch of your skin, and he did. And you did the same thing for him. Washing his mustache was the best part in your opinion. It was definitely a good post sex activity for both of you and a different type of intimacy for both of you. Once you both were done showering, y'all didn't even bother putting clothes back on. You both just both got back under the covers, holding each other close. You both could not wait for another day of spending time with each other as newlywedded husband and wife. 

💚

Here it is!! I'm so sorry it took so long! Like I said I work full time and can only write when I can but thank you all for your patience! I hope you enjoy this @pixelybisexualwitch !! I'll be working on the other requests as well and have them up as soon as I can.

[sunlightmurdock]

You know that partition blurb of topguncortez’s reblogged earlier this week. I’m thinking about that but I’m a hangster!poly relationship with a questionably young gf. Jake was mean and kept beating you at darts so you suck bradley off in the back to get back at Jake, at least until you get home when he shows you who’s really in charge.

*extremely loud sounds of me falling down the stairs* bc yeah actually this has been on my mind all fucking week and it’s @topguncortez ‘s fault with her spectacular writing. There’s something about her writing corruption kink / younger gf with Brad that makes my brain go BRRRR

I’ll give this a little go though

So, yeah — Jake’s been being a little bit mean tonight. Nothing out of the ordinary. He’s designated driver, so he’s got to have his fun somehow. And, watching you stomping your feet and getting all pouty over a couple of games of darts… well, he can’t help it that that’s just what is entertaining to him.

Just like you can’t help it that what’s entertaining to you is draping yourself all around Bradley’s big, thick arms and grinning up at him, telling him, “No, don’t sit in the front with Jake. Sit with me. Please, Bradley?”

And of course, he does. He’d be an idiot to turn you down when they all know where this is leading. You’re grinning into his neck, kissing at it tenderly and unbuckling his belt before Jake is even out of his parking space.

Jake drives extra slow, taking note of the fact that neither one of you has a damn seatbelt on because you’re so hell-bent on having a cock in your mouth at this exact moment in time. He checks the rear-view mirror periodically, knowing that you’re making a show of it for his benefit only.

Tears spilling out onto your cheeks as you gag on Bradley’s cock, your eyes on Jake as the car pulls to a stop at a red light. Bradley groaning loud as he cums into your mouth and watches you swallow obediently.

Prancing off into the house once you’re home, kicking your shoes off and dropping your bag in the hallway just to piss Jake off a little more. You don’t even make it through the threshold into the bedroom before Jake’s chest is pressed into your back and he’s walking you forwards, shoving your short skirt out of his way.

“Hey, Rooster — come watch this.” Jake murmurs, lips grazing your ear, one arm wrapped around your middle as his other hand pries open his belt. “Want you to keep count of how many times I can get her to cum.”

…

[stagefoureddiediaz]

Mehta’s tie is making my brain go brrrr

Is it black or is it burgundy or is is black shot with burgundy?!!

If we work on the theory that it’s either burgundy or black shot burgundy then it’s a very deliberate tie to Buck and his burgundy velvet jacket and that’s making me 👀👀👀 because if that’s the case then buckle your seatbelts for Bucks role in saving Eddie after he was shot to be brought up - and if Eddie really doesn’t remember the full details of what happened between being shot and getting to the hospital, we’ll he’s about to find out!

The possibility that he might be about to be confronted with this information could be the thing that is his feelings realisation/ acknowledgment that puts him fully on the path towards buddie canon and that possibly coming just before Pepa starts her meddling next week - so much potential and I will literally be sat here like a baby bird waiting to be fed!!

[amber-isnt-a-precious-stone]

Ooof i've been trying to get around to doing all the tumblr tag games and 2021 review all week. Imma try do them now~ I love getting tagged in stuff!! 💕 It's just been a hectic month sorry! but I do appreciate all the tags and asks 💕💕💕

[yinlotus]

An accurate description of the life of a 1st year astrophysics major:

going to class and your professor talking fondly about the "wonderful feeling after the elevator cable snaps while you're in it"

said professor then proceeding to play a rock song

on most days only expect 2-5 students in class even though we have 13

where did the others go?? nobody knows, maybe they were abducted by aliens

speaking of aliens

your other professor pausing class to talk about what would happen if we met them

and getting mildly upset that an asteroid is no longer headed towards earth

cats

just so many physics department cats

and celebrating their birthdays

nobody in the department sleeps

don't be alarmed when your professor goes to the group chat at 3am to talk about whatever

hating elon musk

somehow other majors don't think astrophysics majors actually attend school until they meet you

there are days where we only talk about why star trek wasn't safe (they never wore seatbelts for a long time!!)

we like frogs

and rocks

rock go brrrr

sometimes finding your professor's face photoshopped onto satellites

working for hours but having 0 progress

your prof. assuring you that this is normal even for professionals

random scifi talks and book recs

cats

everyone in the dept likes greek letters

getting back to your dorm at almost midnight

the hall is eerily quiet but nobody is asleep

crying over the moon is normal

so is crying over the mars rovers

crying in general is normal

your professor saying odd things like

"this is just some weird image of two people about to die- but anyway, spacetime"

the astronomers of the school are also the astrologers

setting up in the lounge reading people's birth charts and astro cards

having to sneak through the back of the building because our id cards never work

sitting in the observatory with the lights off waiting for the professor to get there

planning to bring your hallmates to the planetarium to impress them

did i mention the cats?

meow

why do we have things that glow?

and this????

[mellicose]

That Woman Over There - Epilogue

A You Me and Him Fix-it Fic

Rating: PG-13, for some bad language

Word count: 5140

Warnings: none

Summary: ~ Set after the birth of Monty, Olivia’s baby ~ A dear friend of Olivia comes to visit for a week, and she disturbs the fragile peace between her, Alex, and John.

Read last chapter | Start from the beginning

Four Years Later Five kilometers from Ballantrae, Scotland, UK

“Alright, chief, you know the drill,” Alex said over her shoulder as she fiddled with the sticky gearshift. “God damn-” her mouth snapped shut. “Renting in Scotland. What was I thinking?” she said. The ancient motor hicupped, then they rushed forward.

“The drill?” her son said, rolling the r in his mild French accent.

“John decided to build his house right by a bloody cliff, so-”

“A cliff! A cliff! Is there a beach?” he said, throwing his action figure aside. The boy loved the water. He wiggled in his booster chair.

“Of course, sweetie, but you do realize it’s September?” Alex said, looking at him in the rearview. “The water’s very cold. Brrrr.” She shivered.

“I can have a hot bain afterward,” he said.

“We’ll see,” she said. The little car struggled to get up the hill road. She floored the gas pedal and prayed as they inched to the top, and they both gasped together as they saw the newly completed home, set off by the endless blue of the Clyde Waters.

“It’s bloody huge!” she said to her son as she turned into their driveway, which curved up to the hill where the house stood. Beside it, nearer to the ocean, was a large barn – his workshop.

“Look, mama!” he said, pointing to the barn.

“What color is it?” Alex said.

“Rouge. Red!” he said, and clapped his hands. “Are there cows in it?”

“I don’t think so,” Alex said. “That’s were Uncle John makes his art.”

“Oui. His tables and his chairs and his cabi … cabi …” 

“His cabinets,” Alex said, and reached back to caress his fat cheek. “He gets a lot of money for his cabinets.”

“And that’s good?” he said. His chubby fingers wriggled over the seatbelt button.

“For him, yes. When I stop the car, you are going to stay exactly where you are, you hear?” she said. She didn’t know whether the cliff was fenced, and her boy was a fast runner.

“Yes, mam,” she said, and gave her a twinkly grin. She squinted at the cars parked in the driveway by the house. There was Connie’s blue SUV, John’s little sports car, and a Beamer. Her heart beat faster as she pulled up. A lot of people had red Beamers. Not only her. And she might’ve changed her car years ago…

“Auntie Alex!” John said, running up with open arms. Right behind him, two little girls ran up, with flapping coats and flowered galoshes. One of them had brown curls and round hazel eyes, and the other had flaming auburn hair and bright blue eyes.

“Auntie Alex!” they echoed, and hugged her legs.

“Hello, you!” she said, and hugged and kissed John, then the girls. They looked into the open car door and screamed again when they saw her son.

“Come inside. There’s cake!” Lily said. Her son undid the seat belt and wriggled out of the car.

“Whoa there!” she said, taking his hand.

”It’s perfectly safe. There’s a fence,” John said. Alex kissed him and let go, and they ran into the house to announce her arrival.

She looked up at him and giggled. “Fuck a duck, you’ve gone full L.L. Bean mountain man,” she said, referring to his full beard. He wore a soft gray beanie at a jaunty angle on his head.

“What’s L.L. Bean? Sounds tasty.” He winked, then rubbed his beard. “It helps me fit in with the locals.” He straightened up and narrowed his eyes as he looked toward the water. “Do I look local?” he said, nudging her.

“Sure,” said. “Very.”

He turned to her with his usual puppy dog enthusiasm. “D’you like it?”

“It’s big,” she said, looking up at the second-story gingerbread eaves, then to the wraparound veranda. An empty porch swing swung in the cool ocean breeze.

“It’s all me. Once I got to the planning stage, I kept adding elements. It drove Connie crazy, since she wanted it to be done already,” he said with a widening grin. “You’re gonna shit a brick.”

“Why?” she said. Again, her heart rushed. The girls came back out, with another boy in tow. Just as soon as he saw her, he brightened and ran faster.

“Monty!?” Alex said as the boy slammed into her and hugged her.

“Alex!” he said, and petted her slick blonde bob. “Pretty.”

“Thanks, love,” she said, taking his face into her trembling hands. His blue eyes were almost violet in the bright afternoon light, and his face was losing its baby chubbiness.

“How old are you now?” she said.

“I’m five,” he said, holding up his hand. “I’m in proper school, not baby school anymore,” he said, nodding proudly.

“Is that so?” Alex said. She couldn’t say much more. She didn’t come prepared to see Olivia. But she was a bit ... excited.

John patted Monty’s curly head. “Keep an eye on the cake. You know the girls are dying to get into it,” he said. Monty saluted and ran away.

“Why didn’t you tell me, man?” she said, looking down at her rumpled coat. She checked her makeup in the sideview mirror.

“It was a surprise to me,” he said, popping the trunk to get her bags. “I came back from getting lumber, and here they were, big as life sitting at our kitchen table.”

“How long has she been here?” she asked.

“A few hours,” he said. “She’s staying for a while, though.” Again, he gave her that mysterious grin.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Alex said. “You look like a cat that swallowed the canary.”

“You’ll see,” he said, and walked toward the house. She didn’t move, and he stopped. “Come on. It’ll be painless, I swear.”

The house was deliciously warm, and smelled of food cooking.

“Wow, mate, you outdid yourself,” she said in awe as she peeled off her coat. The floors gleamed a warm purple, and most of the furniture had his signature touch. “It’s like, a show house or something.” She kicked off her galoshes and touched the white pine entryway cabinet. “Where’s Connie?”

“In the kitchen, honey!” Connie yelled. “Dinner’s almost ready!”

Alex ran toward her voice, then nearly slid on her ass when she saw her.

“Surprise,” Connie said. She was … huge with child. Enormous. Rampant.

“John, you dog!” she said, and gave Connie a hug. “Oh my God, how? When?” She held Connie’s belly in both hands.

“You know how,” she said, and winked at her. “And we got the surprise of our lives about 37 weeks ago.”

John ran in behind Connie and gave her a loud, smacking kiss on her neck. He rubbed her belly and knelt to talk to it.

“How’s the weather in there, buddy? Staying warm?”

“Nooo,” Connie said, but she didn’t push him away. She put her hands on her hips and closed her eyes.

“Watch,” John said with glee, and lifted Connie’s shirt. He kissed her belly, which was stretched shiny. “How’s my sweet little boy? Say hello, son.” Connie sucked in breath as life stirred in her belly. First, perhaps a knee, but then, almost too clearly, a tiny hand.

“Fuck, that was a bloody hand!” she said, pressing her hand over her own flat belly. Her son had been active when he was in the womb, but she’d never seen his hand. “It’s a boy! Congratulations, bruv!” She patted John’s shoulder.

“He’ll be a handful, if he’s anything like his father,” a familiar voice said from the threshold. Olivia walked into the kitchen.

Alex stared. Her usually fluffy blonde hair was at least three shades darker, and up in a carefree ponytail. She was as slim as she ever was, but she gave off a different vibe. Warmer. More inviting. She walked with a confidence she didn’t have before, either. Her eyes, which normally avoided contact, now sought it. She was breathtaking.

“How are you?” she said.

“Well,” she said, smiling broadly.

“And your work with the old folks?” Alex said.

“That didn’t pan out, obviously,” Liv said, opening the oven to check on the roast, since Connie couldn’t bend anymore.

“Oh,” she said. Liv checked on a bubbling pot.

“No worries though. I found my calling,” Liv said. “I thought I was meant to help people at the last stages of their life. Turns out I’m meant to help mums and little ones through the first.”

“So, you’re a….” Alex said. The situation began to make sense.

“I’m a midwife,” she said with an uncharacteristic giggle. “Not quite an obstetrician, but I do some of the same things.”

“Wow,” Alex said, putting her hand over her mouth.

“After my experience with Monty, I wondered whether there could be something better. A practitioner who was both knowledgeable, and warm.”

“Like, not a weirdo like my old OB?” Alex said, laughing.

“Yeah, something like that,” Liv said. “Had I known about midwives then, things might’ve gone another way.” She looked at Alex. “You look different.”

“D’you like it? It’s my New York artist look,” she said, stroking her platinum bob. 

“What about the colors?” Liv said.

Alex sat down. “Everyone over there has colors, and too many piercings and tattoos to count. It’s not edgy anymore to have pink hair or ink,” she said, shrugging. “Normies in the art world? Hella edgy.”

“Normies?” Liv said, sitting across from her.

“You know. Not doing the multicolored pincushion thing,” she said.

“Do you miss it?” Liv said.

“Not really,” Alex said. “I get paid to draw pretty things for large companies. I’m very happy as I am.”

“How is that?” Liv said. She never imagined Alex could settle enough to finish a degree, much less become a graphic designer for one of the most respected firms on the East Coast.

“It’s stressful, but in a good way. My boss isn’t a cow, and she’s really open-minded,” she said, biting her lip. “The pay’s great. I can actually afford to live in Manhattan. Alphie might’ve had a hand in that.” He knew anyone and everyone, it seemed. And slept with half of them.

“How is he?” Liv said.

“Good, I guess. Still haunting his gallery for fresh meat in London,” she said. “He’s a brilliant father, though. Ollie adores him.”

Liv tipped her head. “Is that his name? Ollie?”

Color rose to her cheeks. “Yeah. He’s a junior, but his middle name is Oliver.”

“It’s a good name, Oliver,” Liv said, and wiggled her brow. Alex looked around. She didn’t notice that John and Connie had slipped away quietly.

“So, you’re here for the birth,” Alex said.

“Yes,” Liv said. And perhaps a little longer, to help.”

“That’s amazing,” Alex said, shaking her head. “Olivia the midwife. Do you miss practicing law?”

Olivia’s eyes widened. “Not at all. I was a bitter, miserable cow. I don’t even like to think about it,” she said.

“You were alright,” Alex said. “But you look so much happier now. How’s Maude?”

“Maude,” she said, and sucked her teeth. “That’s not happening anymore.”

“Oh no,” Alex said sincerely.

“She’s a lovely woman, but, um, she’s one of those kind of lesbians that prefer the quiet life,” she said.

“Eh?” Alex said.

“She doesn’t like children,” she said.

“I see,” Alex said. “That’s interesting.”

“Yeah, I didn’t know that when we started dating, but since I was at mum’s, we could go and do things all the time without Monty. Mum loves looking after him. But when I moved out and it was Monty and I, she began to show her true colors.”

“Damn,” Alex said. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Liv said, and shrugged. “It was a strangely easy breakup. I don’t even remember crying.”

“Lucky you,” Alex said. When she found out Alphie was cheating, she was inconsolable for weeks. It was a horrible rough patch that nearly made her drop out of school, but John and Connie helped her through it.

“I’m sorry about Alphonse,” Liv said, reaching across the table to squeeze her hands. “John told me it wasn’t easy, but not much else. Out of respect.”

Alex shook her head. “You live, you learn,” she said. “I was a bit foolish then. Impulsive.”

“You talk as if you’re heavy with years now,” Liv said. “You’re still young. In any case, we all do foolish things when we’re young and stupid, like go to law school, or wear paisley unironically.”

Alex giggled. “You seeing anyone now?” she said. Liv smiled. Al was a bit wiser, but she hadn’t lost her boldness.

“Nope. I’ve been too busy. Everyone’s having babies, like, all the time,” she said.

“Me neither,” she said. “It’s a bit obnoxious over there. I completely get what Connie was talking about. Makes my fud slam shut just to think about it.”

Liv hooted. “Your mouth,” she said, laughing. “I’d forgotten.”

“What? It’s the truth. It’s bizarre. There are loads of well-kept, pretentious twats everywhere, yet I’m dry as the goddamned Kalahari,” she said. “What’s worse? Only ten percent of ‘em can draw worth a damn. It’s mostly rich kids looking for an identity. It’s kind of sad.”

“Poor rich art kids,” Liv said.

“Connie may have grown up with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she’s nothin’ like ‘em. No wonder she was mad to get away,” she said.

“She’s the best,” Liv said.

“She is,” Alex said. When her and Alphonse broke up, Connie flew to the States to take care of her. She laid beside her on many nights, dried her tears, and helped her take care of Ollie. To her own surprise, she ended up leaning more on her than on John. “Connie sort of … changed my life.”

“She’s weird like that,” John said, and walked to the fob. “Is the roast done? I’m bloody starving.”

“Where’s Connie?” Liv asked.

“I helped her onto the porch swing,” he said. “Oh! I came in here for some juice,” he said, and went into the refrigerator. “My bride thirsts.”

“I’ll take it out to her,” Liv said, and stood up. She turned back to Alex. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

“Me too,” Alex said. “Glad you’re here, I mean.” She blushed.

Liv walked out, and John squeezed her shoulders.

“So what d’you reckon, huh?” he said excitedly. He looked out the window at Connie and the kids.

“You’ve outdone yourself, mate,” she said, shaking her head. “I thought she couldn’t have any more children after Lily.”

“Me too,” he said. “That’s what the doctor said. She had to go on hormone treatments to conceive,” he whispered. “They did a number on her, messed with her moods and her health, but we had Lily.”

“Then how did that happen?” Liv said, holding her hands over her belly.

“It was Liv,” he said. “She said that Connie’s particular issues had a more holistic solution,” he said, holding his hands up in air quotes. “I thought it was a bit mad – after everything she went through, how could her hormone imbalance be fixed with diet and vitamins and things? But it bloody worked.” He slapped the counter.

“Is that why she’s here? To make sure it took?” she said, looking at John. He hugged her tight.

“She was here earlier for that,” he said into her hair. “But we’re out of the danger zone, damn it. Manny’s healthy and nearly busting out of Connie’s belly.”

“Manny? Interesting name,” she said.

“Technically, it’s John Manuel.”

“So he’s gonna be a junior too?” Alex said.

“Yeah,” he said. “Manuel is her dad’s name, and two Johns will get confusing, so … Manny.”

“I’m so happy for you,” she said, and hugged him tighter. “You two have a sweet set up here. Oh,” she said, looking up at him, “How’s business?”

“Booming!” he said. “Between Connie’s connections and Alphie’s, I’m backlogged for two years. Did you see the barn?”

“Yeah. It’s really red,” she said. “And I don’t think it’s just connections. You’re bloody talented.”

John smiled. “It’s too small,” he said. “I’m going to have to build another one. And I had to hire four apprentices to help me. I’m interviewing for three more.”

“Excuse the hell out of me,” Alex said.

“I know,” he said, wriggling.

“You’re such a dork,” she said.

“I’m really happy, Al,” he said, and sat up on the counter. “To be honest, I sometimes pinch myself. It’s unreal.” She pinched his side, and he slapped her hand away. “To think I was in that little house in Bristol, resigned to my fate four years ago. I thought I was never gonna get another chance at happiness. I gave up on it. I was a total fuckup.”

“You weren’t. Never,” Alex said. “And it was comin’, mate. You are one of the kindest, most brilliant, smartest, funniest people I know. It was inevitable.”

“Oh hush, you. You haven’t done so bad yourself.” He tugged gently on her earlobe.

“Seriously. You and Connie deserve each other – it sounds ominous, but it’s true. You’re both amazing.” John smiled. “Speaking of being resigned to your fate, how’s Mara?”

He sighed. “In L.A. with her new boyfriend last I heard, and that was over a year ago.”

“Eh,” Alex said, looking out the window at the children running after each other in the grass. The little girl with the red hair hugged Monty, and he ran away, screaming.

“And Addie? How's she adjusting?” she said.

“She’s a delight, and her and Lily are like blood sisters at this point,” he said. “She doesn’t ask about Mara anymore. Connie and I don’t push it because when we mention her, she gets the most heartbreaking, confused look on her face.” His face crumpled.

“And how are you?” Alex said. “She’s, like, a clone of her. Is it hard?”

“I thought it might be,” he admitted. “But, I don’t know, she’s not Mara, if that makes any sense. She’s sweet, and unselfish, and kind. It was a bit weird at first,” he laughed. “I don’t know whether it’s all her, or maybe Connie’s influence, but I don’t care either way. She’s ours.”

“I have to say, you surprised me when you told me about the adoption. It’s mad,” Alex said. “But after a bit of thought, it makes sense. Who better than you, right?”

He jumped off the counter and sighed. “I’m gonna tell you a secret,” he said. “It was Connie who talked me into it.”

“Really?” Alex said, surprised.

“Yeah,” he said. “At first, I wanted to move on. Start fresh. And when Mara contacted us with the idea, I thought it was another attempt to wrap me up in her life again. I didn’t want any part of it. But Connie took over, and asked her all the difficult questions. I thought Mara would disappear since I wasn’t the one engaging with her, but she was dead serious. She really wanted to give Addie away.”

“So Connie was never weirded out about the idea of adopting your ex-wife’s love child with someone else?”

“No. She wanted to adopt right away, but she was more concerned about how I felt about it,” he said. “She was patient, and didn’t force the idea on me. But we were having so much trouble conceiving at the time and she really wanted to be a mother. She has so much love to give – we both did, and in the end, there was no reason the daughter should have to pay for the sins of the mother.”

Alex squeezed his shoulder. “I’m gonna go outside and love on Connie,” she said.

“I’ll join you,” he said. When they walked through the dining room, they heard pattering footsteps and a giggle. There were a few sugar flowers missing from the cake on the table.

“Lily. She’s like a little mouse, getting into things,” he said with a smile. They walked outside and Connie had her legs up on the porch swing. Liv was out in the yard, playing with Addie, and John ran out and started chasing after them both.

“How are you doin’, love?” Alex said, and pulled up a chair beside her.

“About to burst,” she said with a sigh. “My ankles are swollen, I have to pee every 15 minutes, and he’s jumping on my diaphragm like a trampoline.”

“So, ecstatic?” Alex said.

“Completely,” she said, and sighed contentedly. They watched the kids playing for a minute or two.

“Oh, your little mouse got into the cake,” she said.

Connie laughed. “Watch this,” she said, and put a serious face on. “Lily, get over here this instant!” she yelled.

The little girl ran around John and up the steps in front of her.

“Yes, mami?” she said, holding her hands behind her. She was the spitting image of her father.

“A little bird told me that someone was eating the sugar flowers off the cake, even though you pinky promised that you wouldn’t touch it before dinner,” she said. The girl licked pink frosting from the corner of her mouth. “Do you have any idea who did it?”

Lily looked down at her galoshes, then dropped to the floor and pulled them off. “Mami, one of my zoom boots is loose,” she said, and held her small booted foot up for her to see. The screw had broken off one of her ankle braces. Alex’s eyes widened.

“Oh no,” Connie said, and Lily repeated it softly. “John!” He ran up and gave her a kiss. “Could you get me the repair kit? In the drawer by the stove.”

“Is one of Lily’s zoom boots out?” he said, and picked her up and lifted her over his head. “We can’t have that! How will she fly?”

The little girl whooped and giggled as he carried her inside.

“Zoom boots?” Alex said.

“I forgot to mention it – her braces. When she was born, one of her feet twisted inward. John wanted to blame himself, but I didn’t allow it. We found the best pediatric orthopedic surgeon we could afford, and he did what he does best. As you can see, she can move around at almost 100%. By the time she starts primary school, she won’t need it.”

“But why zoom boots?” she said.

“We didn’t want her to feel to different from other children, so we gave the brace a cool name. They help her run like the wind,” she said. Addie ran up, with Ollie right behind her.

“Can I say hello, mum?” Addie said. Connie nodded, and kissed the top of her head as the girl rubbed her belly and whispered. Her auburn hair was red at the root with sweat.

“Go inside and tell da to put a hat on you,” she said. Addie poked her little lips out and made a face.

“If you don’t put on a hat, then you might get a cold, and if you do, then you won’t be able to see Manny when he comes,” Connie said, raising her brows.

Addie gasped and ran inside, screaming for her dad.

Liv walked up with Monty and sat nearby. “Did you finally finish the plans for your greenhouse?” she said.

“Greenhouse? Where?” Alex said. Ollie crawled into her lap and played with her hair. He was long due for a nap.

Connie giggled. “We’re gonna build a greenhouse. It’ll connect to the house by the living room,” she said.

“So it’s going to get even bigger?” Alex said.

“Yeah,” Connie said. “We’re in nowhere Scotland, but eventually, we’ll still have fresh cut flowers all year,” she said.

Alex shook her head. “How’s your clientele taking all this?” she said, waving at her belly.

“They can take it how they like. My family comes first,” she said. “John? I hear silence from inside. I don’t like silence!” she yelled. She settled into the porch swing. “To be fair, for the first time since I broke up with my ex, I had to cancel some gigs. I just can’t do anything until this one’s out, and settled.” She rubbed her belly. “But, something wild happened when I let one of my clients know I couldn’t do their wedding.”

“Eh?” Alex said.

“They postponed it,” she said with a giggle. “They said they’d wait on me, and that there was no hurry. They’re already two kids in!”

They all laughed.

“Weddings are serious business, I guess,” Alex said. “I wouldn’t know.”

“Neither would I,” Liv said, looking out for Monty. He ran back and forth along the fence, jumping occasionally to get a better view of the sea.

“Your day will come, if you just wait awhile,” Connie sang softly, and looked at them both affectionately. They had changed so much, but they were still so similar. Liv sighed.

“I’m gonna go check on John. Knowing him, he’s having a tickle fight with the girls instead of watching the fob,” she said. Just as she stood up, Addie ran out with a blue cap on, with Lily close behind.

“Nyooom!” John said, barreling past in hot pursuit. “All better, sweetie?”

“Yeah!” Lily said, and ran toward Monty, her arms outstretched. Ollie jumped out of Alex’s lap and ran toward the excitement.

“They’re dying to go down to the beach,” John said. “I can take them after dinner, if it’s okay with you ladies?” He nodded at Alex and Liv.

“Sure,” Alex said.

“Monty’d love it,” Liv said.

“Me too,” Connie sighed. “But I can barely walk.”

“I’ll take you down,” he said.

"How? You gonna carry me over your shoulder?" Connie said.

“Of course not. I'll throw you in a wheelbarrow.” He giggled.

“Wit,” Connie said. She made a face at him. 

“I’ll put a nice fluffy blanket down for comfort,” he said, wiggling his fingers.

“I hate you,” she said, pouting.

He nuzzled her temple and kissed her. “No, you don’t,” he said, and rested his hand on her belly.

“You’re right. I don’t,” she said, and pulled him in for a kiss.

“Mam, look, the water!” Ollie said, running back. “Is there sharks?”

Liv perked up and looked at Alex. “Did I ever tell you about the time I nearly got eaten by a bull shark in Costa Rica?”

“That’s what you get for going scuba diving with an open wound,” Connie said, rolling her eyes.

“No,” Alex said. “So it’s you telling stories now?” Her eyebrow rose.

“I’ve got loads, if you want to hear them. It’ll help to pass the time in this wilderness,” she said. “They’re not all near-death experiences either. There’s some juicy bits too.” Liv looked at Connie. “And the wound wasn’t open. I cut my ankle on some coral. I was wearing a plaster.”

“Bloody hell! Can’t sharks smell a drop of blood from, like, miles off or something like that?” Alex said, leaning forward.

“That’s a common misconception,” John horned in from the steps. “They can detect blood in the water at around 500 meters, furthest. Still, you obviously had a death wish, Olivia,” he said, and kissed the top of Lily’s head, who sat on his lap to listen to the story. Addie sat at Connie’s feet.

“But I didn’t. I wasn’t going to pass up the chance to dive with one of the best instructors in the country over a tiny little flesh wound,” Liv said.

“Was she, though?" Connie said. “You nearly made that instructor poo herself once he saw that monster circling,” Connie said.

“Pfft, it was tiny. Like, only 4 feet long, tops. A baby,” she said, holding back a laugh.

“You’re laughing now, but you were on therapy for a year after that,” Connie said.

Liv shrugged. “I was a bit tightly wound back then. It’s not news.” John snorted. Liv swatted in his direction, but he ducked away with a giggle. “Needless to say, things have changed. And I’m willing to give it another go. Maybe Australia this time?”

“Right. Have a nice visit to the home of everything that’s trying its best to kill you,” Alex said.

“I survived an all-girl’s public school, and being a lawyer in London for a decade. I know how to deal with bird-eating spiders, crocodiles, and poisonous snakes,” she said. “Easy peasy.”

“Fuck me, who are you?” Alex said, shaking her head.

"Language!" John and Connie said in unison. Alex flushed.

“Sorry for not doing this before,” she said, smiling at Alex. John stood up and helped Connie into the house, with the children in tow.

“Did John tell you about the time I beat up a tweaker trying to mug me in New York?” Alex said.

“Lies!” Liv said. “Really?”

“I shit you not,” Alex said, holding both hands up. “I’d had the worst day ever, and I swear my adrenaline took over and I dropped him like a sack of shit.”

The wind picked up, and they shivered. Liv’s eyes lingered on Alex’s face. She was even more beautiful than she remembered. She wondered what was going on in her head. Maude was responsible and kind, but ultimately boring. Despite the gloss, Alex was still the woman she fell in love with – impetuous, outspoken, and sweet. She missed sweetness. Alex noticed her looking, and didn't shy away from her gaze. 

“We should go inside,” Liv said, and rose. "It's getting cold." She held out her hand.

“I’d love to,” Alex said, took it, and followed her into the house.

THE END

Note: Thanks to everyone who showed interest, liked, and reblogged - you make my heart sing with a click. Due to reasons, I will leave the full story up for only two weeks, then I will delete it. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it 💖